Volume pricing and enhanced retailer incentives in a lottery game

ABSTRACT

A process establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/234,575, filed on Sep. 19, 2008 and entitled VOLUME PRICING AND RETAILER INCENTIVES IN A LOTTERY GAME, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This disclosure generally relates to the field of gaming. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a lottery game.

2. General Background

A lottery is generally a distribution of tokens such that a subset of the distributed tokens may win a prize. The token can be in the form of a ticket. One of the most popular forms of lottery involves the distribution of lottery tickets. Each lottery ticket includes a lottery number. After the lottery tickets have been distributed to the lottery ticket holders, the winning number is chosen. The usual method of selecting the winning number involves a random selection of the winning number. A random number generator can be used to randomly select the winning number. Some lottery systems require the ticket to have the entire number that is randomly selected while other lottery systems require the ticket to have a subset of an ordered sequence of numbers that are randomly selected.

Traditional instant games, such as peel-off or scratch-off-style games, involve pre-determined results reflected by pre-printed tickets. A peel-off game may be implemented as a pull-tab game. Generally, the results are concealed and the player must scratch off material or pull tabs to reveal the results of the instant game. A traditional instant game is generally offered at a single price, with each game having its own price and independent fixed prize structure. Players seeking higher prizes must choose a different game; typically, a single game does not provide the player with prize and price options.

Over the past 15 years, many lotteries have experienced an erosion of net profit margins primarily as the result of sales shifts from higher margin product segments like numbers and lotto games to lower margin product segments like instant games. In 1992, for example, higher margin games made up approximately two thirds of total U.S. lottery sales and instant games represented less than a third of total U.S. lottery sales. By 2007, traditional higher margin games represented slightly more than one third of total U.S. lottery sales while instant sales had grown to over one half of total U.S. lottery sales. Typical instant games currently carry prize costs that are approximately thirty percent greater than corresponding traditional numbers, lotto and raffle games.

The result of this shift in sales to lower margin products has allowed sales to grow, but at the expense of net profit margins. Since 2005, several lotteries have suffered year-over-year declines in net profits despite having achieved record or near-record annual sales levels.

In addition, several lotteries have been mired in litigation over grand prize offerings for scratch tickets. The player in a scratch ticket game is typically aware of the total number of grand prizes available for win. However, the lotteries currently have no system for informing the players when a grand prize is won so that the player is aware that the total number of grand prizes has been reduced. One problem is that a player may win a top prize, but may not redeem that grand prize for some period of time after the purchase of a ticket. As a result, other players think that the total number of grand prizes has not been reduced. Another problem is that the retailers selling the tickets cannot be realistically expected to update the total number of grand prizes. The infrastructure is not in place for such communication, and even if such infrastructure was in place, an enormous burden would be placed on the retailers.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the process determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price. In addition the process adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game. The process also calculates with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, the process prints, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition, the process provides the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. The process also receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Finally, the process provides a prize distribution of the prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket from the set of tickets with a winning match.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer useable medium having a computer readable program. The computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to establish a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot having a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the process determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price. In addition, the computer readable program when executed on the computer causes the computer to add the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets. The quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also provides play eligibility in the instant lottery game. The computer readable program when executed on the computer also causes the computer to calculate with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, the computer readable program when executed on the computer also causes the computer to print, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition, the computer readable program when executed on the computer also causes the computer to provide the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. The computer readable program when executed on the computer also causes the computer to receive, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Further, the computer readable program when executed on the computer also causes the computer to provide a prize distribution of the prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket from the set of tickets with a winning match. In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a system is provided. The system includes an establishment module that establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the system includes a processor that (i) determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, (ii) adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets, and (iii) calculates, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game. In addition, the system includes a ticket printer that prints the set of tickets. The system also includes a reception module that receives, from the retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Further, system includes a prize distribution module that provides a prize distribution of the prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket from the set of tickets with a winning match.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize from a predetermined number of raffle prizes (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the process determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price. The quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also provides play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game. In addition, the process adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets. The process also calculates with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, the process prints, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition the process provides the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. In addition, the process receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. The process also provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match. Further, the process performs a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win. The process also provides a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer useable medium having a computer readable program. The computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to establish a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize from a predetermined number of raffle prizes (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the computer readable program when executed on the computer causes the computer to determine a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game. In addition, computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to add the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets. The computer readable program when executed on the computer also causes the computer to calculate with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, the computer readable program when executed on the computer causes the computer to print, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition, the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to provide the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. The computer readable program when executed on the computer also causes the computer to receive, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Further, the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to provide an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match. In addition, the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win. The computer readable program when executed on the computer also causes the computer to provide a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a system is provided. The system includes an establishment module that establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize from a predetermined number of raffle prizes (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the system includes a processor that (i) determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game, (ii) adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets, and (iii) calculates, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. In addition, the system includes a ticket printer the set of tickets. The system also includes a reception module that receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Further, the system includes an instant prize distribution module that provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match. In addition, the system includes a raffle drawing machine that performs a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win. The system also includes a raffle prize distribution module that provides a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that each provides play eligibility for a lottery game and a raffle game. Further, the process establishes a net wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets. In addition, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. The process also indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. The process also provides the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of lottery game players to play a lottery game. Further, the process receives, from a retailer, the net wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value per ticket is a compensation for the retailer. In addition, the process provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match. The process also performs a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win. The process also provides a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the process determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that that is completely dividable into at least one target lot. In addition, the process adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased. The quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also provides play eligibility in the instant lottery game. In addition, the process calculates with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. The process also prints, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. Further, the process provides the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. In addition, the process receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. The process also provides a prize distribution of the prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket from the set of tickets with a winning match.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets. Further, the process establishes a net wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets. In addition, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. Further, the process indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. In addition, the process provides the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game. The process also receives, from a retailer, the net wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer. Further, the process provides a prize distribution to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets. Further, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. The process also indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of sub-target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. The process also provides the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game. Further, the process receives, from a retailer, the wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer. In addition, the process provides a prize distribution to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the process determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game. In addition, the process adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets. The process also calculates with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, the process prints, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition, the process provides the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. The process also receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Further, the process provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match. In addition, the process performs a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize. The process also provides a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the process determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game. In addition, the process adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased. The process also calculates with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, the process prints, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition, the process provides the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. The process also receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Further, the process provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match. In addition, the process performs a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize. The process also provides a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that each provides play eligibility for a lottery game and a raffle game. Further, the process establishes a net wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets. In addition, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. Further, the process indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of sub-target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. In addition, the process provides the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of lottery game players to play a lottery game. The process also receives, from a retailer, the net wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value per ticket is a compensation for the retailer. Further, the process provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match. In addition, the process performs a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize. The process also provides a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In another aspect, a process is provided. The process establishes a wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets that each provides play eligibility for a lottery game and a raffle game. Further, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. In addition, the process indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. The process also provides the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game. Further, the process receives, from a retailer, the wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer. The process also provides a prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match. Further, the process performs a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize. The process also provides a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a process is provided. The process establishes a wholesale value per lottery game entry for a variable quantity of lottery game entries. Further, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by a retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a target lot size. In addition, the process indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. The target price is greater than the sub-target price. The target lot size being greater than the sub-target lot size. Further, the process receives, from the retailer, the wholesale value per lottery game entry such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per lottery game entry is compensation for the retailer. In addition, the process provides a prize distribution of a prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a lottery game entry with a winning match.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes a computer useable medium having a computer readable program. The computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to establish a wholesale value per lottery game entry for a variable quantity of lottery game entries. Further, the computer readable program when executed on the computer causes the computer to indicate a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by a retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a target lot size. In addition, the computer readable program when executed on the computer causes the computer to indicate a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of sub-target lots is a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. The target price is greater than the sub-target price. The target lot size is greater than the sub-target lot size. Further, the computer readable program when executed on the computer causes the computer to receive, from the retailer, the wholesale value per lottery game entry such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per lottery game entry is compensation for the retailer. In addition, the computer readable program when executed on the computer causes the computer to provide a prize distribution of a prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a lottery game entry with a winning match.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a system is provided. The system includes an establishment module that establishes a wholesale value per lottery game entry for a variable quantity of lottery game entries. Further, the system includes a display that indicates (i) a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by a retailer to lottery game players and (ii) a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of sub-target lots is a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and has a target lot size. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and has a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. The target price is greater than the sub-target price. The target lot size is greater than the sub-target lot size. The system also includes a reception module that receives, from the retailer, the wholesale value per lottery game entry such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per lottery game entry is compensation for the retailer. The system also includes a prize distribution module that provides a prize distribution of a prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a lottery game entry with a winning match.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an instant lottery game volume-price discount structure that is offered to players to provide maximum value based upon a target purchase price.

FIG. 2 illustrates a graph of a linear proportion between a ratio of the target lot to target price and sub-target lot to sub-target price.

FIG. 3 illustrates a graph of a non-linear proportion between a ratio of the target lot to target price and sub-target lot to sub-target price of the example illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an instant lottery game volume-price discount structure that has multiple sub-target prices and sub-target lots.

FIG. 5 illustrates a graph of non-linear proportions in the example illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure that is implemented for the instant lottery game volume-price discount structure illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure that is implemented is implemented for the instant lottery game volume-price discount structure illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 800 to the instant lottery game retailer incentive structure illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 900 to the instant lottery game retailer incentive structure illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates a payout table based on different prices.

FIG. 11 illustrates a process that may be utilized to provide an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure and an instant lottery game volume-price discount structure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a station or system that provides a volume price discount structure and a retailer incentive structure.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure that has a retailer compensation of zero.

FIG. 14 illustrates yet another example of an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure that has a retailer compensation of zero.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative instant lottery game retailer incentive structure to the configurations provided for in FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 1600 to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 illustrates a process that is utilized to provide enhanced retailer incentives.

FIG. 18 provides a process that removes the difficulties associated with informing the players of the availability of grand prizes in conjunction with providing enhanced retailer incentives.

FIG. 19 provides a process that removes the difficulties associated with informing the players of the availability of grand prizes in conjunction with providing enhanced retailer incentives.

FIG. 20 illustrates a process that provides a raffle prize in addition to an instant prize.

FIG. 21 illustrates another process that provides a raffle prize in addition to an instant prize.

FIG. 22 illustrates a process that provides enhanced retailer incentives for a lottery game.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example of an enhanced retailer incentives structure that may be utilized with the process illustrated in FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus are disclosed that provide a volume price discount and retailer incentive in a lottery game. In one embodiment, the lottery game is an instant lottery game such a scratch-off lottery game. Further, in one embodiment, the lottery game is a single fixed liability lottery game. In an alternative embodiment, tickets from a plurality of fixed liability lottery games with similar pricing structures may be purchased by a player in a single transaction. The pricing structures do not have to be identical. The method and apparatus offer a strategic supplement to the instant product segment that will allow lotteries to offer instant lottery games at higher price points with significantly more attractive profit margins.

FIG. 1 illustrates an instant lottery game volume-price discount structure 100 that is offered to players to provide maximum value based upon a target purchase price 106. The instant lottery game volume-price discount structure 100 includes a price field 102 and a lot size field 104. The price field 102 indicates a target price 106 and a sub-target price 108. As examples, the target price 106 may be ten dollars and the sub-target price 108 may be five dollars. Further, the lot size field 104 includes a target lot of tickets 110 that can be purchased for the target price 106, and the number of tickets field 104 includes a sub-target lot of tickets 112 that can be purchased for the sub-target price 108. Each lot of tickets is a subset of a predetermined quantity of tickets. For example, a predetermined quantity of one hundred tickets may be sold such that the target lot of tickets 110 may have seven tickets, and the sub-target lot of tickets 112 may have three tickets. A plurality of ten target lots and a plurality of ten sub-target lots may then be sold.

The sub-target price 108 is a price that is lower than the target price 106. However, instant lottery game players receive greater value from the target price 106 than the sub-target purchase price 108.

At the target price 106, instant lottery game players receive more chances to win than at the sub-target price 108. Further, in one embodiment, a non-linear proportion is configured between a ratio of the sub-target lot size 112 to the sub-target price 108 and a ratio of the target lot size 110 to the target price 106. The non-linear proportion allows the number of tickets to increase in greater proportion than the increase in purchase price.

In one embodiment, the same prize distribution is played for irrespective of price point. In other words, whether a player purchases a target lot size of tickets or a sub-target lot size of tickets, the player can still win the same prize. The price point only affects the number of tickets that the player receives, i.e., the chances of winning that prize. In one embodiment, the prize distribution is a fixed prize. In another embodiment, the prize distribution is a variable prize such as a jackpot prize.

Instant lottery game players deciding to purchase instant lottery game tickets at lower price points will do so with an awareness that they are not receiving the same value as players who purchase instant lottery game tickets at the target purchase price, but simply may not wish to spend the target purchase price. In one embodiment, the instant lottery game players deciding to purchase instant lottery game tickets at lower price points may wish to play at a lower price point for a unique prize such as a non-cash prize that is being offered as a prize distribution at the lower price point.

FIG. 2 illustrates a graph 200 of a linear proportion between a ratio of the target lot 110 to target price 106 and the sub-target lot 112 to the sub-target price 108. As an example, a point 208 indicates a target price 106 of ten dollars for a target lot 110 of six tickets and a point 210 indicates a sub-target price 108 of five dollars for a sub-target lot 112 of three tickets. The ratio of the sub-target lot 112 of three tickets to the sub-target price 108 of five dollars is three to five. Accordingly, a line 204 is drawn with a slope of three fifths. Similarly, the ratio of the target lot 110 of six tickets to the target price 106 of ten dollars is three to five. Accordingly, a line 206 is drawn with a slope of three fifths. The lines 204 and 206 form one continuous line as the proportion of these two ratios is linear. A player can pay ten dollars for one lot of six tickets or could pay ten dollars for two lots of three tickets. The linear proportion does not incentivize purchase of a higher priced lot.

FIG. 3 illustrates a graph 300 of a non-linear proportion between a ratio of the target lot 110 to target price 106 and sub-target lot 112 to sub-target price 108 of the example illustrated in FIG. 1. As an example, a point 308 indicates a target price 106 of ten dollars for a target lot 110 of seven tickets and a point 310 indicates a sub-target price 108 of five dollars for a sub-target lot 112 of three tickets. The ratio of the sub-target lot 112 of three tickets to the sub-target price 108 of five dollars is three to five. Accordingly, a line 304 is drawn with a slope of three fifths. However, the ratio of the target lot 110 of seven tickets to the target price 106 of ten dollars is seven to ten. Accordingly, a line 206 is drawn with a slope of seven tenths. The line 304 and the line 306 do not form one continuous line as the line 304 and the line 306 have different slopes because the proportion of these two ratios is non-linear. The non-linear proportion incentivizes an instant lottery game player to purchase the higher priced lot. For example, the instant lottery game player will have better odds of winning a prize by purchasing a single ten dollar lot to obtain seven chances at winning as opposed to purchasing two five dollar lots to obtain only six changes at winning.

FIG. 4 illustrates an instant lottery game volume-price discount structure 400 that has multiple sub-target prices and sub-target lots. The instant lottery game volume-price discount structure 100 is no limited to only one sub-target price and sub-target lot. For example, an additional sub-target price field 402 may indicated that two dollars may be utilized to purchase a lot of one ticket, which is indicated in an additional sub-target lot 404. Further, in one embodiment, instant lottery game players receive greater value from a sub-target price that is closer to the target purchase price in value than a sub-target purchase price that is more distant from the target purchase price in value. In other words, instant lottery game players are offered an increasing number of instant lottery game tickets as purchase price increases with the target price having the maximum number of tickets available for purchase in one lot of tickets. For example, if a player purchases five two dollar lots, the player only has five chances at winning as opposed to the seven chances at winning that can be obtained with a purchase of a single ten dollar lot. However, if the player purchases two five dollar lots, the player has six chances of winning, which is less than a purchase of a single ten dollar lot, but more than a purchase of five two dollar lots.

FIG. 5 illustrates a graph 500 of non-linear proportions in the example illustrated in FIG. 4. As an example, a point 514 indicates a target price 106 of ten dollars for a target lot 110 of seven tickets, a point 512 indicates a sub-target price 108 of five dollars for a sub-target lot 112 of three tickets, and a point 510 indicates an additional sub-target price 402 of two dollars for a sub-target lot 404 of one ticket. The ratio of the sub-target lot 404 of one ticket to the sub-target price 402 of two dollars is one to two. Accordingly, a line 504 is drawn with a slope of one half. The ratio of the sub-target lot 112 of three tickets to the sub-target price 108 of five dollars is three to five. Accordingly, a line 506 is drawn with a slope of three fifths. The ratio of the target lot 110 of seven tickets to the target price 106 of ten dollars is seven to ten. Accordingly, a line 508 is drawn with a slope of seven tenths. The line 504, the line 506, and the line do not form one continuous line as the line 504, the line 506, and the line 508 have different slopes. The proportion between the ratio of the target lot 110 to the target price 106 and the ratio of the sub-target lot 404 to the sub-target price 402 is a non-linear proportion. Further, the proportion between the ratio of the target lot 110 to the target price 106 and the ratio of the sub-target lot 112 to the sub-target price 108 is a non-linear proportion. Finally, the proportion between the ratio of the sub-target lot 112 to the sub-target price 108 and the ratio of the sub-target lot 404 to the sub-target price 402 is a non-linear proportion.

In another embodiment, a linear proportion and a non-linear proportion may be utilized. For example, the proportion between the ratio of the sub-target lot 112 to the sub-target price 108 and the ratio of the sub-target lot 404 to the sub-target price 402 may be a linear proportion, the proportion between the ratio of the target lot 110 to the target price 106 and the ratio of the sub-target lot 404 to the sub-target price 402 may be a non-linear proportion, and the proportion between the ratio of the target lot 110 to the target price 106 and the ratio of the sub-target lot 112 to the sub-target price 108 may be a non-linear proportion.

By utilizing the processes and apparatuses provided herein, a lottery may effectively offer lottery players more ticket units at higher price points without discounting the lottery's products or further reducing the lottery's profit margins. The lottery will actually be able to achieve sales at higher price points at substantially greater gross profit margins.

In addition to implementing the instant lottery game volume price-discount structure, the lottery may also implement an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure. FIG. 6 illustrates an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 600 that is implemented for the instant lottery game volume-price discount structure 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, a retailer receives a minimum standard retailer compensation based upon the possibility of selling all of the predetermined quantity of tickets. For example, the standard retailer compensation may be five percent of the gross wholesale value. A predetermined quantity of tickets may be determined by the gross wholesale value divided by the target price 106. For example, the predetermined quantity of tickets may be the gross wholesale value of three hundred dollars divided by the target price 106 of ten dollars, which equals two hundred ten tickets. An example of a predetermined quantity of tickets is a book of tickets. If the retailer purchases a predetermined quantity of tickets, e.g., two hundred ten tickets, for three hundred dollars, sells a predetermined number of lots at the target price 106, the retailer has to send only a net wholesale value of two hundred eighty five dollars to the lottery for the actual purchase. If consumers also purchase tickets in lower increments, the retailer compensation potentially increases. The retailer compensation is the actual lottery tickets sales less the net wholesale value.

For retailer compensation purposes, the ticket sales are not limited to sales of the entire predetermined quantity of tickets. For example, the values described herein can be based on per ticket sales so that a retailer may receive compensation for partial and/or full book sales. In one embodiment, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets. Further, the process establishes a net wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets. In addition, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. Further, the process indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. In addition, the process provides the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game. The process also receives, from a retailer, the net wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer. Further, the process provides a prize distribution to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match. A computer program product having a computer readable medium may be utilized to implement this process. Further, a system having a processor to perform calculations, an establishment module to perform the establishment tasks, a reception module that receives the net wholesale value, and a prize distribution module that distributes the prize may be utilized.

In one embodiment, the prize liability does not increase. Accordingly, whether a partial book is sold or a full book is sold, the prize liability of the lottery does not increase.

A number of lots field 602 may indicate the number of lots for a given price and lot size. For example, a number of target lots 604 may be nine, and a number of sub-target lots 606 may be forty nine. Further, a sales field 608 may indicate the sales for a given price, lot size, and number of lots. For example, the sales of all tickets at the target price 106 is a target sales amount 610 of ninety dollars, and the sales of all tickets at the sub-target price 108 is a sub-target sales amount 612 of two hundred forty five dollars. If all the tickets are sold, the total sales equal three hundred thirty five dollars. Since all the tickets at the target price have been sold, the retailer only has to provide a net wholesale value two hundred eighty five dollars, not three hundred dollars, to the lottery. The retailer then gets to keep fifty dollars as a retailer compensation. This retailer compensation is more than three times the typical industry standard compensation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 700 that is implemented is implemented for the instant lottery game volume-price discount structure 400 illustrated in FIG. 4. Additional sub-target prices and sub-target lots may be utilized. For example, a number of target lots 702 may be eleven, a number of sub-target lots 706 may be thirty, and a number of additional sub-target lots 710 may be forty three. Further, the sales of all tickets at the target price 106 is a target sales amount 704 one hundred ten dollars, the sales of all tickets at the sub-target price 108 is a sub-target sales amount 708 of one hundred fifty dollars, and the sales of all tickets at the additional sub-target price 402 is a sub-target sales amount 712 of eighty six dollars. If all the tickets are sold, the total sales equal three hundred forty six dollars. Since all the tickets at the target price have been sold, the retailer only has to provide a net wholesale value of two hundred eighty five dollars, not three hundred dollars, to the lottery. The retailer then gets to keep sixty one dollars as a retailer compensation. This retailer compensation is more than four times the typical industry standard compensation.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 800 to the instant lottery game retailer incentive structure illustrated in FIG. 6. The predetermined quantity of tickets is sold at the gross wholesale value to the retailer without providing a minimum standard retailer compensation to the retailer. If all the tickets are sold, the total sales equal three hundred thirty five dollars. Since all the tickets at the target price have been sold, the retailer only has to provide three hundred dollars to the lottery. The retailer then gets to keep thirty five dollars as a retailer compensation. This retailer compensation is more than two times the typical industry standard compensation. The lottery also increases its net profit by five percent because the lottery is not giving the retailer a minimum standard retailer compensation. For example, the lottery does not provide the five percent minimum standard retailer compensation of fifteen dollars for each predetermined quantity of three hundred tickets. Accordingly, both the retailer and the lottery may increase their respective profits.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 900 to the instant lottery game retailer incentive structure illustrated in FIG. 7. The predetermined quantity of tickets is sold at a wholesale value to the retailer without providing a minimum standard retailer compensation to the retailer. If all the tickets are sold, the total sales equal three hundred forty six dollars. Since all the tickets at the target price have been sold, the retailer only has to transmit three hundred dollars to the lottery. The retailer then gets to keep forty six dollars as a retailer compensation. This retailer compensation is more than three times the typical industry standard compensation. The retailer could potentially make a maximum compensation of one hundred twenty dollars if the retailer sells all the tickets at two dollars each to have total sales of four hundred twenty dollars. This potential maximum retailer compensation is eight times greater than the typical industry standard of fifteen dollars, which is five percent, of every three hundred dollar predetermined quantity of tickets. The lottery also increases its net profit by five percent because the lottery is not giving the retailer a minimum standard retailer compensation. For example, the lottery does not provide the five percent minimum standard retailer compensation of fifteen dollars for each predetermined quantity of three hundred tickets. Accordingly, both the retailer and the lottery may increase their respective profits.

For retailer compensation purposes when no minimum standard retailer compensation is utilized, the ticket sales are not limited to sales of the entire predetermined quantity of tickets. For example, the values described herein can be based on per ticket sales so that a retailer may receive compensation for partial and/or full book sales. In one embodiment, a process is provided. The process establishes a wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets. Further, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. The process also indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of sub-target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. The process also provides the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game. Further, the process receives, from a retailer, the wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer. In addition, the process provides a prize distribution to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match. A computer program product having a computer readable medium may be utilized to implement this process. Further, a system having a processor to perform calculations, an establishment module to perform the establishment tasks, a reception module that receives the net wholesale value, and a prize distribution module that distributes the prize may be utilized.

In one embodiment, the prize liability does not increase when a standard minimum retailer compensation is not utilized. Accordingly, whether a partial book is sold or a full book is sold, the prize liability of the lottery does not increase.

FIG. 10 illustrates a payout table 100 based on different prices. For example, the target lot of seven tickets for ten dollars equals one dollar forty three cents per ticket, has a sixty three percent maximum payout percentage for each ticket, a sixty three percent effective cash return percentage to players, and a net gain of eight and one half cents per each single ten dollar sale. The maximum payout percentage is significantly below the typical industry average payout percentage for the ten dollar price point. An example of the typical industry average payout percentage for the ten dollar price point is seventy one and one half percent. As another example, the sub-target lot of three tickets for five dollars equals one dollar sixty seven cents per ticket, has less than a sixty three percent maximum payout percentage for each ticket. The maximum payout percentage is significantly below the typical industry average payout percentage for the five dollar price point. An example of the typical industry average payout percentage for the five dollar price point is sixty eight percent. As yet another example, the additional sub-target lot of one ticket for two dollars equals two dollars per ticket, has less than a sixty three percent maximum payout percentage for each ticket. The maximum payout percentage is slightly below the typical industry average payout percentage for the two dollar price point. An example of the typical industry average payout percentage for the two dollar price point is sixty four percent.

In one embodiment, the prize liabilities illustrated in FIG. 10 are fixed. Accordingly, the prize liabilities do not change based on the ticket sales. For example, the target lot of seven tickets for ten dollars equals one dollar forty three cents per ticket and has a sixty three percent maximum payout percentage for each ticket. That sixty three percent maximum payout percentage does not change if a partial book or a full book is sold.

Prize structures may be further enhanced without increasing the lottery's total prize liability via strategic alliances and co-promotions offering the addition of non-cash prizes including, but not limited to goods, services, discount coupons, gift cards, shopping sprees, merchandise points, merchandise redemption programs, gift certificates, and other offerings of a like or similar nature. The effective cash return percentages described above are exclusive of non-cash prizes offered in any given game. However, the additional non-cash prizes may increase the perceived value of a ticket or group of tickets purchased from a non-target price lot. For example, a non-cash prize in addition to the effective cash return percentage may increase the perceived value for players purchasing a sub-target lot. The perceived value may be equal to or greater than typical lottery industry payouts at comparable price points. The additional non-cash prizes may be offered irrespective of which price ticket or group of tickets is purchased. Accordingly, the addition of a non-cash prize may increase the perceived value across price points.

FIG. 11 illustrates a process 1100 that may be utilized to provide an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure and an instant lottery game volume-price discount structure. At a process block 1102, the process 1100 establishes a gross wholesale value for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets. Further, at a process block 1104, the process 1100 establishes a net wholesale value for the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value for the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets. In addition, at a process block 1106, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. At a process block 1108, the process also indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of sub-target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, a at a process block 1110, the process 1100 provides the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game. In addition, at a process block 1112, the process 1100 receives, from a retailer, the net wholesale value for the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value is a compensation for the retailer. At a process block 1114, the process 1100 also provides a prize distribution to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match.

The processes described herein may be implemented in a general, multi-purpose or single purpose processor. Such a processor will execute instructions, either at the assembly, compiled or machine-level, to perform the processes. Those instructions can be written by one of ordinary skill in the art following the description of the figures corresponding to the processes and stored or transmitted on a computer readable medium. The instructions may also be created using source code or any other known computer-aided design tool. A computer readable medium may be any medium capable of carrying those instructions and include a CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic or other optical disc, tape, silicon memory (e.g., removable, non-removable, volatile or non-volatile), packetized or non-packetized data through wireline or wireless transmissions locally or remotely through a network.

A computer is herein intended to include any device that has a general, multi-purpose or single purpose processor as described above. For example, a computer may be a lottery terminal, a kiosk, a vending machine, a set top box (“STB”), cell phone, portable media player, or the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a station or system 1200 that provides a volume price discount structure and a retailer incentive structure. In one embodiment, the station or system 1200 is implemented utilizing a general purpose computer or any other hardware equivalents. Thus, the station or system 1200 comprises a processor 1210, a memory 1220, e.g., random access memory (“RAM”) and/or read only memory (ROM), a volume price discount and retailer incentive module 1240, and various input/output devices 1230, (e.g., audio/video outputs and audio/video inputs, storage devices, including but not limited to, a tape drive, a floppy drive, a hard disk drive or a compact disk drive, a receiver, a transmitter, a speaker, a display, an image capturing sensor, e.g., those used in a digital still camera or digital video camera, a clock, an output port, a user input device (such as a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, and the like, or a microphone for capturing speech commands)).

It should be understood that the volume price discount and retailer incentive module 1240 may be implemented as one or more physical devices that are coupled to the processor 410. For example, the probabilities-based raffle prize module 440 may include a plurality of modules. Alternatively, the volume price discount and retailer incentive module 1240 may be represented by one or more software applications (or even a combination of software and hardware, e.g., using application specific integrated circuits (ASIC)), where the software is loaded from a storage medium, (e.g., a magnetic or optical drive, diskette, or non-volatile memory) and operated by the processor in the memory 420 of the computer. As such, the volume price discount and retailer incentive module 1240 (including associated data structures) of the present disclosure may be stored on a computer readable medium, e.g., RAM memory, magnetic or optical drive or diskette and the like.

The station or system 1200 may be utilized to implement any of the configurations herein. For example, the processor 1210 may be utilized to perform calculations.

The configurations provided in FIGS. 8 and 9 allow for the possibility of a retailer selling a full book of lottery tickets without receiving retailer compensation. The retailer may potentially break even.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 1300 that has a retailer compensation of zero. If all of the ticket sales are sold in lots at the target price, e.g., a predetermined quantity of two hundred ten tickets sold at the target price 106 of ten dollars in a lot size 104 of seven tickets for a total number of lots 604 of 30, then the retailer generates ticket sales of three hundred dollars, i.e., thirty lots multiplied by ten dollars to sell the total number of two hundred ten tickets. The retailer does not sell any tickets at the sub-target price 106 of five dollars. The retailer needs to provide three hundred dollars to the lottery as a wholesale value. As the retailer does not receive a minimum standard retailer compensation for the configurations in FIGS. 8 and 9, the retailer depends on the sales above the wholesale value for a retailer compensations. Accordingly, the retailer compensation may be zero.

FIG. 14 illustrates yet another example of an instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 1400 that has a retailer compensation of zero. The retailer does not sell any tickets at the sub-target price 106 of five dollars.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 1500 to the configurations provided for in FIGS. 8 and 9. In one embodiment, the lottery establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game. A target price is associated with a target lot and sub-target price is associated with a sub-target lot. A quantity of additional tickets is also determined to ensure that a retailer receives compensation if the retailer sells tickets with a gross receipt value that is greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery for the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game. The addition of the tickets does increase the prize liability of the lottery operating the instant lottery game. For example, the maximum payout percentages for each price will not change with the inclusion of the additional tickets. For each ticket in the set of tickets that includes the base tickets and the additional tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket results from dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. For example, the gross receipts target for a lottery illustrated in FIG. 15 is three hundred dollars and the quantity of tickets in the set of tickets illustrated in FIG. 15 is two hundred twenty. Accordingly, the lottery target unit value per ticket is one dollar thirty six cents. The retailer receives compensation per ticket based on the remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket. For instance, if only one set of seven tickets are sold for ten dollars in a partial book sale, the retailer has gross receipts of one dollar forty three cents per ticket. The retailer receives compensation of one dollar forty three cents minus one dollar thirty six cents for each ticket, i.e., seven cents per ticket, for a total of forty nine cents for the seven tickets sold. As the retailer compensation is based per ticket, the retailer receives compensation whether or not a full set of tickets or a partial set of tickets is sold.

In one embodiment, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price. In other words, an additional amount of tickets is added to the base number of tickets in each book to ensure that extra tickets cannot completely be purchased at the target price. For example, ten extra tickets can be provided in a book of tickets. Accordingly, a player cannot purchase all ten tickets for seven for ten dollars as a remainder has to exist at a sub-target price. For example, if the player purchases seven of the ten tickets for seven dollars, a remainder of three tickets exists. The player cannot purchase the remainder for seven dollars as only three tickets remain. Accordingly, the player has to purchase the remaining three tickets for five dollars. In this example, the retailer would have a compensation of fifteen dollars for the book as the retailer compensation is ten dollars for the seven tickets in addition to five dollars for the three remaining tickets. This result is the same as the minimum standard retailer compensation of fifteen dollars, i.e., five percent of three hundred dollars. By mandating that every ticket in the book cannot be purchased for seven for ten dollars, the lottery ensures that the retailer has a retailer compensation greater than zero. As a result, both the lottery and the retailer profit if a full book of tickets is purchased by a player. In one embodiment, a number of additional tickets are selected such that the effective retailer compensation is at a minimum equal to the standard minimum retailer. For example, with ten extra tickets, the minimum retailer compensation is fifteen dollars for the sale of those ten extra tickets because the player can at most purchase a target lot of seven tickets for ten dollars and the remaining three tickets would have to be sold in a sub-target lot for five dollars. Accordingly, a retailer compensation of fifteen dollars may equal a standard minimum retailer compensation of five percent, which equals fifteen dollars. In another embodiment, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is completely dividable into at least one target lot. In yet another embodiment, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets may or may not be completely dividable into at least one target lot.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative instant lottery game retailer incentive structure 1600 to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15. More than one sub-target price may be utilized. The prize liability of the lottery is not increased with additional tickets. For example, the maximum payout percentages in FIG. 10 are not increased.

FIG. 17 illustrates a process 1700 that is utilized to provide enhanced retailer incentives. At a process block 1702, the process 1700 establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, at a process block 1704, the process 1700 determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price. In an alternative embodiment, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is completely dividable into at least one target lot. In addition, at a process block 1706, the process 1700 adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game. At a process block 1708, the process 1700 also calculates with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, at a process block 1710, the process 1700 prints, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition, at a process block 1712, the process 1700 provides the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. At a process block 1714, the process 1700 also receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Finally, at a process block 1716, the process 1700 provides a prize distribution of the prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket from the set of tickets with a winning match.

FIG. 18 provides a process 1800 that removes the difficulties associated with informing the players of the availability of grand prizes in conjunction with providing a enhanced retailer incentives. At a process block 1802, the process 1800 establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize from a predetermined number of raffle prizes (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, at a process block 1804, the process 1800 determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price. The quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also provides play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game. In an alternative embodiment, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is completely dividable into at least one target lot. In addition, at a process block 1806, the process 1800 adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets. At a process block 1808, the process 1800 also calculates with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, at a process block 1810, the process 1800 prints, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition, at a process block 1812 the process provides the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. In addition, at a process block 1814, the process 1800 receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. At a process block 1816, the process 1800 also provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match. Further, at a process block 1818, the process 1800 performs a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win. At a process block 1820, the process 1800 also provides a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In another embodiment, a registration process may be utilized for the raffle. After a player wins an instant prize, the player provides the ticket to the retailer for instant prize redemption. The player may register for the raffle game prior to the retailer prize redemption to be part of the raffle. In one embodiment, the registration process involves the user entering information from the ticket on to a web site so that the lottery has the player's ticket information for the subsequent raffle drawing. In another embodiment, the player registers with the retailer at the time of the instant prize redemption for the raffle drawing. The retailer may then communicate the player's information to the lottery operator.

With respect to any of the instant game configurations described herein, a random generation may be performed, with a random generation apparatus, to determine the winning match. For example, a ball drawing machine or a random number generator may be utilized to perform the random generation. Alternatively, a winning match may be determined according to a parameter based outcome. The term parameter based outcome is intended to describe an occurrence where a prize is won according to a parameter associated with ticket sales. For example, the parameter may be a specific number of tickets sold. For instance, a prize may be won after every one thousand tickets are sold. The parameter based tickets have to be preprinted tickets rather than tickets generated at the terminal of a retailer so that the outcome can be predetermined.

Any of the instant prizes described herein may be fixed, variable, pari-mutuel, or parameter based. The term parameter based prize is intended to describe a prize that is won according to a parameter associated with ticket sales.

FIG. 19 provides a process 1900 that removes the difficulties associated with informing the players of the availability of grand prizes in conjunction with providing a retailer incentive irrespective of enhanced retailer incentives. At process block 1902, the process 1900 establishes a gross wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that each provides play eligibility for a lottery game and a raffle game. Further, at a process block 1904, the process 1900 establishes a net wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets. In addition, at a process block 1906, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. At a process block 1908, the process 1900 also indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. At a process block 1910, the process 1900 also provides the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to a retailer for sale. Further, at a process block 1912, the process 1900 receives, from a retailer, the net wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer. In addition, at a process block 1914, the process 1900 provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match. At a process block 1916, the process also performs a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that a lottery game player has a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win. At a process block 1918, the process also provides a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players. Any of the configurations provided herein may be utilized with one or more instant prizes and one or more raffle prizes.

FIG. 20 illustrates a process 2000 that provides a raffle prize in addition to an instant prize. At a process block 2002, the process 2000 establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win an instant prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, at a process block 2004, the process 2000 determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game. In addition, at a process block 2006, the process 2000 adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets. At a process block 2008, the process 2000 also calculates with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, at a process block 2010, the process 2000 prints, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition, at a process block 2012, the process 2000 provides the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. At a process block 2014, the process 2000 also receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Further, at a process block 2016, the process 2000 provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match. In addition, at a process block 2018, the process 2000 performs a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize. At a process block 2020, the process 2000 also provides a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players. A computer program product having a computer readable medium may be utilized to implement this process. Further, a system having a processor to perform calculations, an establishment module to perform the establishment tasks, a reception module that receives the lottery target unit value per ticket, and prize distribution modules that distributes the prizes may be utilized.

In another embodiment, a process is provided. The process establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot. The target lot has a target lot size. The sub-target lot has a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. Further, the process determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game. In addition, the process adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased. The process also calculates with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets. Further, the process prints, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets. In addition, the process provides the set of tickets to the retailer for sale. The process also receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer. Further, the process provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match. In addition, the process performs a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize. The process also provides a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

FIG. 21 illustrates another process 2100 that provides a raffle prize in addition to an instant prize. At a process block 2102, the process 2100 establishes a gross wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that each provides play eligibility for a lottery game and a raffle game. Further, at a process block 2104, the process 2100 establishes a net wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets. In addition, at a process block 2106, the process 2100 indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. Further, at a process block 2108, the process 2100 indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of sub-target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. In addition, at a process block 2110, the process 2100 provides the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of lottery game players to play a lottery game. At a process block 2112, the process 2100 also receives, from a retailer, the net wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value per ticket is a compensation for the retailer. Further, at a process block 2114, the process 2100 provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match. In addition, at a process block 2116, the process 2100 performs a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize. The process also provides a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.

In any of the configurations provided herein that have one or more instant prizes and one or more raffle prizes, a player may win both an instant prize and a raffle prize. In one embodiment, the player can win an instant prize and a raffle prize from a single ticket or a single ticket that is purchased from a lot of tickets. In one embodiment, a raffle game is part of the same lottery game as the instant game. In yet another embodiment, the raffle drawing is a separate game from the instant game.

In yet another embodiment, a process is provided. The process establishes a wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets that each provides play eligibility for a lottery game and a raffle game. Further, the process indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots is a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size. In addition, the process indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. The process also provides the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game. Further, the process receives, from a retailer, the wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer. The process also provides a prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match. Further, the process performs a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize. The process also provides a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players. In one embodiment, the play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the play eligibility in the raffle game provide a potential prize distribution of both the instant prize distribution and the raffle prize distribution. A computer program product having a computer readable medium may be utilized to implement this process. Further, a system having a processor to perform calculations, an establishment module to perform the establishment tasks, a reception module that receives the lottery target unit value per ticket, and prize distribution modules that distributes the prizes may be utilized.

FIG. 22 illustrates a process 2200 that provides enhanced retailer incentives for a lottery game. At a process block 2202, the process 2200 establishes a wholesale value per lottery game entry for a variable quantity of lottery game entries. Further, at a process block 2204, the process 2200 indicates a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by a retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a target lot size. In addition, at a process block 2206, the process 2200 indicates a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players. Each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a sub-target lot size. A ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price is in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price. The target price is greater than the sub-target price. The target lot size being greater than the sub-target lot size. Further, at a process block 2208, the process 2200 receives, from the retailer, the wholesale value per lottery game entry such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per lottery game entry is compensation for the retailer. In addition, at a process block 2210, the process 2200 provides a prize distribution of a prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a lottery game entry with a winning match. A computer program product having a computer readable medium may be utilized to implement this process. Further, a system may be utilized to implement this process.

In one embodiment, the process 2200 may also provide a raffle prize in addition to the lottery game prize. The process 2200 may perform a raffle drawing to determine the winner of the raffle prize. Alternatively, the process 2200 may provide a predetermined number of raffle prizes and perform a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win.

The lottery game may be a fixed liability lottery game. For instance, a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game will not be increased.

The term variable quantity of lottery game tickets is intended to indicate a quantity of lottery game tickets that is not predetermined. In other words, the quantity of lottery game tickets may be a quantity that changes in number instead of a constant quantity that does not change in number. A variable quantity of lottery game tickets may be utilized for any of the configurations provided herein.

In one embodiment, the lottery game tickets are generated at a terminal. For example, the lottery game tickets may be printed by the retailer with a terminal having a ticket printer associated therewith instead of being preprinted to be provided to the retailer.

In another embodiment, the process performs a random generation, with a random generation apparatus, to determine the winning match. For example, a ball drawing machine or a random number generator may be utilized to perform the random generation. Any of the non-instant prizes described herein may be fixed, variable, pari-mutuel, or parameter based.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example of an enhanced retailer incentives structure that may be utilized with the process 2200 illustrated in FIG. 22. A variable quantity of lottery game entries may be utilized. A player may purchase a different quantities of lottery game entries in different lot sizes for different prices. A price field 2302 indicates a price. For a target price 2308 of ten dollars, a player may purchase a target lot having a target lot size 2316 of thirteen lottery game entries. Further, for a sub-target price 2306 of five dollars, a player may purchase a sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size 2314 of six lottery game entries. For another sub-target price 2304 of one dollar, the player may purchase a sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size 2312 of one lottery game entry. A sales revenue derived per entry for each entry in a respective lot 2318 is also calculated. With respect to the target lot size 2316 of thirteen lottery game entries, the sales revenue derived per entry for each entry 2324 is seventy seven cents, i.e., ten dollars divided by thirteen lottery game entries. Further, with respect to the sub-target lot size 2314 of six lottery game entries, the sales revenue derived per entry for each entry 2322 is eighty three cents, i.e., five dollars divided by six lottery game entries. In addition, with respect to the other sub-target lot size 2312 of one lottery game entry, the sales revenue derived per entry for each entry 2320 is one dollar, i.e., one dollar divided by one lottery game entry. A wholesale value per lottery game entry field 2326 indicates a wholesale value per lottery game entry 2328. The wholesale value per lottery game entry 2328 is the same across price points. For example, the wholesale value per lottery game entry 2328 may be established to be seventy three cents. In one embodiment, the lottery establishes the wholesale value per lottery game entry 2328. A retailer compensation per lottery game entry field 2330 indicates a difference between the sales revenue derived per entry field 2318 and the wholesale value per lottery game entry field 2326. If a remainder exists, the retailer may retain that remainder as compensation. With respect to the target lot size 2316 of thirteen lottery game entries, the retailer compensation per lottery game entry 2336 is four cents, i.e., the sales revenue derived per entry for each entry 2324 of seventy seven cents minus the wholesale value per lottery game entry 2328 of seventy three cents. Further, with respect to the sub-target lot size 2314 of six lottery game entries, the retailer compensation per lottery game entry 2334 is ten cents, i.e., the sales revenue derived per entry for each entry 2322 of eighty three cents minus the wholesale value per lottery game entry 2328 of seventy three cents. In addition, with respect to the other sub-target lot size 2312 of one lottery game entry, the retailer compensation per lottery game entry 2332 is twenty seven cents, i.e., the sales revenue derived per entry for each entry 2320 of one dollar minus the wholesale value per lottery game entry 2328 of seventy three cents.

A virtual device may be utilized to provide any of the games provided herein. For example, a virtual lottery ticket may be sold rather than a paper ticket. For instance, a player may be able to purchase an electronic version of a ticket through a computing device such as a computer, laptop, kiosk, cell phone, smart phone, personal digital assistant, or the like.

In any of the configurations provided herein, the payout for the prize that is utilized for both the target price and the sub-target price may be guaranteed by a third party entity. As a result, a lottery provider may be able to provide a larger lottery prize than might otherwise be the case. Further, any of the configurations provided herein may be utilized as a part of a stand alone lottery game, an add-on lottery game, or both. In addition, any of the configurations provided herein may have tickets with a retail bar code to allow retailers to account for the sale of every ticket.

Although an instant lottery game is utilized as an example, the volume price discount structure and the retailer incentive structure may be utilized with other types of lottery games. For example, the volume price discount structure and the retailer incentive structure may be utilized for a game that has a drawing rather than an instant game with pre-printed tickets.

Any of the terminal generated configurations provided herein may utilize a two way communications system between a centralized system operated by a lottery and a terminal at a retailer location. Further, a one-way communication system may be utilized to communication from the retailer to the centralized system. In addition, a one-way communication system may be utilized to communication from the centralized system to the retailer. Alternatively, the terminal at the retail location may operate without communicating such a centralized system. Retailer sales data may be stored in a repository.

Any of the configurations provided herein may be utilized with or without non-cash prizes. In one embodiment, a player may win a cash prize, a non-cash prize, or a combination of a cash prize and a non-cash prize.

It is understood that the processes and systems described herein may also be applied in other types of processes and systems. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various adaptations and modifications of the embodiments of the processes and systems described herein may be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present processes and systems. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the present processes and systems may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. 

1. A method comprising: establishing a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot, the target lot having a target lot size, the sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; determining a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price; adding the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game; calculating with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets, printing, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets; providing the set of tickets to the retailer for sale; receiving, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer; and providing a prize distribution of the prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket from the set of tickets with a winning match.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ticket printer prints the set of tickets in a book of tickets.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the instant lottery game is a scratch-off lottery game.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the instant lottery game is a pull-tab lottery game.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the instant lottery game is a single fixed liability lottery game.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the prize is a variable prize.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the prize is a pari-mutuel prize.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the prize is a parameter based prize.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining the winning match according to a parameter of the parameter based prize such that the parameter is predetermined.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing a random generation, with a random generation apparatus, to determine the winning match.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein payout of the prize distribution is guaranteed by a third party entity.
 13. A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium having a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to: establish a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot, the target lot having a target lot size, the sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; determine a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price; add the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game; calculate with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets; print, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets; provide the set of tickets to the retailer for sale; receive, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer; and provide a prize distribution of the prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket from the set of tickets with a winning match.
 14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the ticket printer prints the set of tickets in a book of tickets.
 15. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the instant lottery game is a scratch-off lottery game.
 16. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the instant lottery game is a pull-tab lottery game.
 17. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the instant lottery game is a single fixed liability lottery game.
 16. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.
 17. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the prize is a variable prize.
 18. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the prize is a pari-mutuel prize.
 19. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the prize is a parameter based prize.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising determining the winning match according to a parameter of the parameter based prize such that the parameter is predetermined.
 21. The method of claim 13, further comprising performing a random generation, with a random generation apparatus, to determine the winning match.
 22. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein payout of the prize distribution is guaranteed by a third party entity.
 23. A system comprising: an establishment module that establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot, the target lot having a target lot size, the sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; a processor that (i) determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, (ii) adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets, and (iii) calculates, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game; a ticket printer that prints the set of tickets; a reception module that receives, from the retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer; and a prize distribution module that provides a prize distribution of the prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket from the set of tickets with a winning match.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the ticket printer prints the set of tickets in a book of tickets.
 25. The system of claim 23, wherein the instant lottery game is a scratch-off lottery game.
 26. The system of claim 23, wherein the instant lottery game is a pull-tab lottery game.
 27. The system of claim 23, wherein the instant lottery game is a single fixed liability lottery game.
 28. The system of claim 23, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.
 29. The system of claim 23, wherein the prize is a variable prize.
 30. The system of claim 23, wherein the prize is a pari-mutuel prize.
 31. The system of claim 23, wherein the prize is a parameter based prize.
 32. The system of claim 31, further comprising determining the winning match according to a parameter of the parameter based prize such that the parameter is predetermined.
 33. The system of claim 23, further comprising performing a random generation, with a random generation apparatus, to determine the winning match.
 34. The system of claim 21, wherein payout of the prize distribution is guaranteed by a third party entity.
 35. A method comprising: establishing a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize from a predetermined number of raffle prizes (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot, the target lot having a target lot size, the sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; determining a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game; adding the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets; calculating with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets, printing, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets; providing the set of tickets to the retailer for sale; receiving, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer; and providing an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match; performing a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win; and providing a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the plurality of raffle drawings are performed from tickets that have been sold such that only a sold ticket can be a winning ticket for the raffle game.
 37. The method of claim 35, wherein the plurality of raffle drawings are performed from all printed tickets.
 38. A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium having a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to: establish a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize from a predetermined number of raffle prizes (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot, the target lot having a target lot size, the sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; determine a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game; add the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets; calculate with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets, print, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets; provide the set of tickets to the retailer for sale; receive, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer; and provide an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match; perform a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win; and provide a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.
 39. The computer program product of claim 38, wherein the plurality of raffle drawings are performed from tickets that have been sold such that only a sold ticket can be a winning ticket for the raffle game.
 40. The computer program product of claim 38, wherein the plurality of raffle drawings are performed from all printed tickets.
 41. A system comprising: an establishment module that establishes a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize from a predetermined number of raffle prizes (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot, the target lot having a target lot size, the sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; a processor that (i) determines a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game, (ii) adds the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets, and (iii) calculates, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets; a ticket printer the set of tickets; a reception module that receives, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer; and an instant prize distribution module that provides an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match; a raffle drawing machine that performs a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win; and a raffle prize distribution module that provides a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.
 42. The system of claim 41, wherein the plurality of raffle drawings are performed from tickets that have been sold such that only a sold ticket can be a winning ticket for the raffle game.
 43. The system of claim 41, wherein the plurality of raffle drawings are performed from all printed tickets.
 44. A method comprising: establishing a gross wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that each provide play eligibility for a lottery game and a raffle game; establishing a net wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets; indicating a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size; indicating a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; providing the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of lottery game players to play a lottery game; receiving, from a retailer, the net wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value per ticket is a compensation for the retailer; providing an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match; performing a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of ticket sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win; and providing a raffle prize distribution of at least one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.
 45. A method comprising: establishing a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot, the target lot having a target lot size, the sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; determining a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that that is completely dividable into at least one target lot; adding the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game; calculating with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets, printing, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets; providing the set of tickets to the retailer for sale; receiving, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer; and providing a prize distribution of the prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket from the set of tickets with a winning match.
 46. A method comprising: establishing a gross wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets; establishing a net wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets; indicating a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size; indicating a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; providing the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game; receiving, from a retailer, the net wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer; and providing a prize distribution to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match.
 47. A method comprising: establishing a wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets; indicating a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size; indicating a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; providing the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game; receiving, from a retailer, the wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer; and providing a prize distribution to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match.
 48. A method comprising: establishing a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot, the target lot having a target lot size, the sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; determining a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game; adding the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased and the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets is prevented from being completely sold at the target price to ensure that a retailer has a compensation that is greater than zero if the gross receipts for the set of tickets are greater than the gross receipts target for a lottery per set of tickets; calculating with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets, printing, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets; providing the set of tickets to the retailer for sale; receiving, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer; and providing an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match; performing a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize; and providing a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the play eligibility in the raffle game provide a potential prize distribution of both the instant prize distribution and the raffle prize distribution.
 50. A method comprising: establishing a gross receipts target for a lottery for a predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets for an instant lottery game such that (i) each base instant lottery game ticket provides an instant lottery game player with play eligibility in an instant lottery game to win a prize and play eligibility in a raffle game to win a raffle prize (ii) each base instant lottery game ticket is sold by a retailer in either a target lot for a target price associated with the target lot or a sub-target lot for a sub-target price associated with the sub-target lot, the target lot having a target lot size, the sub-target lot having a sub-target lot size that is less than the target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; determining a quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets that is not completely dividable into target lots such that a division of the additional instant lottery game tickets results in a remainder that includes at least one sub-target lot associated with the sub-target price, the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets also providing play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the raffle game; adding the quantity of additional instant lottery game tickets to the predetermined quantity of base instant lottery game tickets to compose a set of tickets such that that a prize liability of a lottery operating the instant lottery game is not increased; calculating with a processor, for each ticket in the set of tickets, a lottery target unit value per ticket by dividing the gross receipts target for a lottery by a quantity of tickets in the set of tickets, printing, with a ticket printer, the set of tickets; providing the set of tickets to the retailer for sale; receiving, from a retailer, the lottery target unit value per ticket for each ticket sold in the set of tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the lottery target unit value per ticket is the compensation for the retailer; and providing an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a ticket with a winning match; performing a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize; and providing a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the play eligibility in the raffle game provide a potential prize distribution of both the instant prize distribution and the raffle prize distribution.
 52. A method comprising: establishing a gross wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that each provide play eligibility for a lottery game and a raffle game; establishing a net wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets that is less than or equal to the gross wholesale value per ticket for the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets; indicating a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size; indicating a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; providing the predetermined quantity of lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of lottery game players to play a lottery game; receiving, from a retailer, the net wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the net wholesale value per ticket is a compensation for the retailer; providing an instant prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match; performing a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize; and providing a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the play eligibility in the raffle game provide a potential prize distribution of both the instant prize distribution and the raffle prize distribution.
 54. A method comprising: establishing a wholesale value per ticket for a predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets that each provide play eligibility for a lottery game and a raffle game; indicating a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a target lot size; indicating a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to be sold by the retailer to instant lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price; providing the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets to a retailer for distribution to a plurality of instant lottery game players to play an instant lottery game; receiving, from a retailer, the wholesale value per ticket for each ticket sold in the predetermined quantity of instant lottery game tickets such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per ticket is compensation for the retailer; providing a prize distribution of the instant prize to one of the plurality of instant lottery game players upon receipt of an instant lottery game ticket with a winning match; performing a raffle drawing, after a predetermined time period of ticket sales, for the raffle prize such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of availability of the raffle prize; and providing a raffle prize distribution of the raffle prize to at least one of the plurality of lottery game players.
 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the play eligibility in the instant lottery game and the play eligibility in the raffle game provide a potential prize distribution of both the instant prize distribution and the raffle prize distribution.
 56. A method comprising: establishing a wholesale value per lottery game entry for a variable quantity of lottery game entries; indicating a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by a retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a target lot size; indicating a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price, the target price being greater than the sub-target price, the target lot size being greater than the sub-target lot size; receiving, from the retailer, the wholesale value per lottery game entry such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per lottery game entry is compensation for the retailer; and providing a prize distribution of a prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a lottery game entry with a winning match.
 57. The method of claim 56, further comprising generating, at a terminal, at least a portion of the variable quantity of lottery game entries.
 58. The method of claim 56, further comprising performing a random generation, with a random generation apparatus, to determine the winning match.
 59. The method of claim 56, further comprising providing a raffle prize in addition to the prize.
 60. The method of claim 59, further comprising performing a raffle drawing to determine the winner of the raffle prize.
 61. The method of claim 56, further comprising providing a predetermined number of raffle prizes in addition to the prize.
 62. The method of claim 61, further comprising performing a plurality of raffle drawings after a predetermined time period of lottery game entry sales for more than one of the predetermined number of raffle prizes such that the plurality of lottery game players have a real time update of the remainder of the predetermined number of raffle prizes available for a win.
 63. The method of claim 56, wherein a lottery game is a single fixed liability lottery game.
 64. The method of claim 56, wherein the prize is a fixed prize.
 65. The method of claim 56, wherein the prize is a variable prize.
 66. The method of claim 56, wherein the prize is a pari-mutuel prize.
 67. The method of claim 56, wherein the prize is a parameter based prize.
 68. The method of claim 67, further comprising determining the winning match according to a parameter of the parameter based prize such that the parameter is predetermined.
 69. A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium having a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to: establish a wholesale value per lottery game entry for a variable quantity of lottery game entries; indicate a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by a retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a target lot size; indicate a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price, the target price being greater than the sub-target price, the target lot size being greater than the sub-target lot size; receive, from the retailer, the wholesale value per lottery game entry such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per lottery game entry is compensation for the retailer; and provide a prize distribution of a prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a lottery game entry with a winning match.
 70. The computer program product of claim 69, wherein the computer is further caused to generate, at a terminal, at least a portion of the variable quantity of lottery game entries.
 71. The computer program product of claim 69, wherein the computer is further caused to perform a random generation, with a random generation apparatus, to determine the winning match.
 72. A system comprising: an establishment module that establishes a wholesale value per lottery game entry for a variable quantity of lottery game entries; a display that indicates (i) a target price for each of a plurality of target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by a retailer to lottery game players and (ii) a sub-target price for each of a plurality of sub-target lots of the variable quantity of lottery game entries to be sold by the retailer to lottery game players, each of the plurality of target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a target lot size, each of the plurality of sub-target lots being a subset of the variable quantity of lottery game entries and having a sub-target lot size, a ratio of the sub-target lot size to the sub-target price being in a non-linear proportion with a ratio of the target lot size to the target price, the target price being greater than the sub-target price, the target lot size being greater than the sub-target lot size; a reception module that receives, from the retailer, the wholesale value per lottery game entry such that a remainder that exceeds the wholesale value per lottery game entry is compensation for the retailer; and a prize distribution module that provides a prize distribution of a prize to one of the plurality of lottery game players upon receipt of a lottery game entry with a winning match.
 73. The system of claim 72, wherein the computer is further caused to generate, at a terminal, at least a portion of the variable quantity of lottery game entries.
 74. The system of claim 72, wherein the computer is further caused to perform a random generation, with a random generation apparatus, to determine the winning match. 